2011 acura rl Model Overview

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As flagships go, there seems little to recommend about the Acura RL. No V-8 power, an aging platform, and awkward styling make it easy to overlook, although value conscious consumers who want something different who do well to consider this underdog. A free revving, 300 horsepower V-6 engine and Acura’s torque vectoring Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system make it an entertaining drive, while a wealth of standard features make it a comfortable place so spend some miles.

RL receives an update in 2011, which includes the sorely needed 6-speed automatic transmission. The extra cog increases fuel economy as well. The car’s interior bits and exterior fascias have also been tweaked, in addition to subframe and transmission mounts.

RL’s strongest competitor may come from in-house, in the form of the recently redesigned Acura TL. The RL is only 0.2 inches longer and offers substantial advantages over its cheaper and arguably more handsome younger sibling. Rumors of the RL’s impending cancellation mean that if you like it, you better move fast.

RL receives a new front fascia and revised grille along with updated 18-inch wheels. The interior is freshened with new headrests, gauges, stitching and trim. The biggest news is the upgraded 6-speed transmission which improves acceleration and fuel economy – although RL still trails competitors with 7- and even 8-speed units. Other improved bits include nav electronics, subframe and transmission mounts.

With a bold chrome beak and little else towards the rear, the RL won’t be the valet’s first pick to put out front. For those who dig its quirky styling, it does make a statement.

Inside RL makes its strongest statement, with such features as with 10-way power-adjustable, heated and cooled front seats, and a host of high tech goodies. Real maple wood trim comes with top spec CMBS equipped versions.

RL has one engine on offer, a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 300 horsepower, 271 pound-feet of torque, and a sonorous exhaust note. New for 2011 is the sorely-needed 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. SH-AWD vectors torque front-to-back and side-to-side when throttle is applied, providing a sporty feel and confident handling, particularly in bad weather. Revised subframe and transmission mounts improve smoothness.

Six airbags come standard as does stability control and a host of braking and traction control aides (ABS, EBD, and BA). Active headrests in the front seats enhance front passenger protection in the event of a rear end collision.

2011 Acura RL Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$47,200

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$20,525

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Recall ID#16V061000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE INFLATOR MODULE

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. Remedy parts are expected to be available in Summer 2016. Interim notices will be mailed to owners during March 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Units Affected

2232187

Recall ID#16V344000 - AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.

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